Little Sand Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. DNR lake ID 31085300.
Little Sand Lake is a 353.4-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. Its deepest point reaches 19 ft, and about 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, tullibee (cisco).
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31085300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Squaw Lake |
| Surface area | 353.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 19 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 65% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.8 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 28.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 10.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2021: clarity 7.8 ft, phosphorus 28.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 10.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Sand Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Little Sand Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.67 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.0 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.83 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.22 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Bluegill | trap | 0.11 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 1.5 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 18.0 in (2016), Northern pike 32.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2013).
Public boat access
- Little Sand Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. Follow Hwy 4 north from Max for 3.9 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Stone Axe Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Rice Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Whitefish Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
- Cedar Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Sand Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Bass Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
- Rush Island Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Bird's Eye Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Sand Lake
How deep is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake reaches a maximum depth of 19 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake covers about 353.4 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Sand Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Sand Lake averages 7.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Little Sand Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Little Sand Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Little Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), bowfin, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse in Little Sand Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Sand Lake.
How is the walleye population on Little Sand Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2016, walleye numbers on Little Sand Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Sand Lake?
Homes on Little Sand Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Little Sand Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Sand Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 65% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Sand Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Sand Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little Sand Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2016), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.